maddness22's reviews
715 reviews

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

hopeful informative fast-paced

4.75

A fantastic read. While it does read from a specific point of privilege and doesn't really address how to maintain slow productivity when working in a reactive position where your management doesn't recognize slow productivity as productivity (eg restaurant service where if you have time to lean, you have time to clean etc), it still offers empowering and motivating concepts to engage with the philosophy of slower productivity. Our current work model of constant busyness absolutely isn't sustainable and this book offers some fantastic tips and ways to block your schedule if you have the availability to ensure your time remains valuable and in your control. I'll absolutely be exploring more from this author when I can!

Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

It was actually SO refreshing reading a rom-com where the female protagonist unapologetically aspires for a romantic relationship and expresses vulnerability when she is unable to obtain one. It's also refreshing reading about a protagonist who is a virgin by choice and still sex positive about her celibacy. I also loved the messages of how to love yourself and self-forgiveness. I did find the large cast a bit overwhelming at times, especially when my focus wasn't fully on the book. But this was a fantastic and unique divergence from the rom-coms I've been reading this summer that I truly enjoyed! 

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I found this one way more enjoyable than the first one. Kate and Anthony both have completely relatable flaws that are easy to connect to and their enemies to lovers match develops incredibly naturally. Newton was an excellent inclusion as well. Just your classic nice regency era romance with a ton of passion and great characters! 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Did not finish book. Stopped at 48%.

The problem with library books after I already hit my reading goal is that I'm more compelled to DNF them despite how far I've made it 🤣 The cutesy "I'm so innocent and positive" voice was fun at first, but got grating after almost 200 pages. Plus I'm realizing how problematic Lucy is about physical attributes for other people. Both Lucy and Josh also seem like the most annoying people at any office setting. Not for me, thanks. 

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I got this book as a blind date from a local bookstore and I'm delighted that it was so enjoyable. For once, the middle was my favorite. The beginning was a bit slow and the ending was disappointing, but I really enjoyed the romance and character development between Hattie and Mr. Blackstone. The politics gets really heavy at points, but the romance and historical aspects were enjoyable enough for me that I could look past the more politically heavy portions. Overall, this is an adorable historical romance with great chemistry and character development and an absolutely delightful surprise! 

For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

The L.A. setting is absolutely insufferable in this book. The first 60% of the book feels like an extended roast against the suburbs and the Midwest and the joke started falling flat around the 20% mark. But I did enjoy the wholesome nature of the romance and how this is a positive book celebrating queer joy with very little conflict about the fact everyone in this book is gay. The characters grew on me and were endearing by the end of the novel. Dialogue runs a bit long at times and I found myself skimming through most of their dates to get to the parts where Nina focuses on her own character development, but if you want a wholesome and positive lesbian focused rom-com, this is your beauty. 

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin

hopeful informative reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

The energy in this book is phenomenal. It's a great spread of revolutionary concepts for beginners and an awesome supplement for folks more versed in self care and self help practices. I loved its practical criticisms of the current self care movement and the emphasis on the importance of cultivating boundaries and values in order to truly practice real self care to create real impact in your life and relationships. The exercises can be a tad overwhelming (especially the compass one) but overall I think it provides great guidance on how to build a life that you're happy with rather than a life others tell you that you'll be happy with. 

The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks

adventurous emotional funny hopeful relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Gosh I actually ended up fully enjoying this audiobook. It's quite the slowburn, to the point where I nearly DNF'd in the first 15% because I had no idea why we were lingering so long on things not about a movie, but this is a tremendous study in character development and the build up and tension around OKB and his arc was a masterpiece. This is also such a glorious love letter to movies and helped me see a new appreciation for films, even the dumb superhero ones. 

Also loved, loved, loved that Tom Hanks wrote this and also read the audiobook. He puts so much of his own brand and perspective into the novel and, while I can see it being jarring for others, I usually enjoy his work so I enjoyed the fact he's a part of the book as well. 

Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

Remarkable storytelling. I adored how the author married her love for her religion with her relationship with her queer identity. It was such an interesting perspective to read about a Muslim lesbian actively choosing to hide her identity while also fighting for a more open world and remaining dedicated to her religion. I did struggle with the non-linear storyline at points, but it works well by the end. 

The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center by Rhaina Cohen

informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

Incredibly well researched and well written, this is an amazing read about friendship and platonic relationships in most, if not all, capacities in a society that emphasizes romantic connection above all else. I felt very validated for my prioritization of platonic relationships in my life and enjoyed the deep care and research for each subject. This is an excellent read for anyone looking to explore improving the relationships in their lives as not only does it highlight the importance of platonic relationships and the need for us to expand our understanding of these relationships in our lives, but it also places a strong argument for the need of platonic relationships to support romantic relationships and reduce the "one stop shop" mindset we hold for romantic relationships at this time. One of my fave reads of the year so far!